Vardhman Group has resumed manufacturing operations, though on a small scale to begin with, across all its manufacturing locations in Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, as the Government grants permission to do so with a limited workforce. The group resumed production of yarn in the second week of April while making sure that the guidelines prescribed by the State Governments and the Ministries of Health & Home Affairs are adhered to in letter and spirit. The spinning units of the group are currently operating at about 40-45% of the production capacity. About a week back, fabrics manufacturing activities also started on a small scale.
The pandemic COVID-19 had compelled Indian Government to lockdown the whole nation, putting a brake on the wheel of economy. However, the bold and timely steps to curb the spread of corona virus played a great role in saving numerous lives. Vardhman extended full support to the Govt. directives and had stopped operations immediately.
While Lockdown 1.0 aimed at safeguarding citizens from the deadly virus, the Prime Minister of India Sri Narendra Modi stated that lockdown 2.0 emphasized on saving lives as well as the source of living, and raised the slogan “Jaan bhi Jahan bhi”.
It was evident that bringing life on track will require special measures and there will be massive changes required to re-ignite the engine of economy. Vardhman’s strategy has been to devise a plan for restarting the manufacturing operations without risking the lives of its employees. “It is crucial to adapt to the present-day need while the Government is working towards restoring the supply chain,” said Mr. S P Oswal, Chairman and Managing Director, Vardhman Group. He added that “Starting the production with new stringent guidelines from the Ministry of Home Affairs is a grass-root step, which will equip us to provide a safe working environment to our employees and prepare for the requisites of full-scale production in the near future. We have received permissions to operate while abiding by the government’s directives and look forward to bearing our responsibility as a corporate citizen”.
One of the positives that helped Vardhman in the early resumption of manufacturing operations has been its policy since inception to build residential colonies and hostels for its workforce along with the manufacturing establishments. The deployment of off-campus workmen stands restricted, in view of the restrictions on their movement during the lockdown. The group has been taking extra care and monitoring the health of each and every employee staying in the residential colonies and hostels besides ensuring that they don’t come in contact with outsiders.
Comprehensive protocols have been put in place by the Group to ensure that there is full compliance of the safety and social distancing norms. Wearing of masks is mandatory for everyone, body temperature of every individual is monitored twice a day and anyone showing signs of sickness is prohibited from entering the manufacturing facility. The in-house dispensaries at all the locations are well-equipped with medical aid and staff, besides the availability of dedicated ambulances. A special officer is assigned for every shift at each of the manufacturing locations who is responsible to ensure compliance of all the protective & safety guidelines and would report anomaly of any kind at the end of each shift. Everyone entering or exiting the unit is required to wash/sanitize their hands and surfaces are being disinfected on regular intervals to maintain good hygiene. The punching of attendance no longer requires finger impressions. Demarcations have also been made at all messes and canteens to maintain social distance while the health of cooking staff is inspected on daily basis and use of PPE is mandatory for them as well.
Amidst the corona crisis, Vardhman group took steps not only to ensure safety of its employees but also supported the community. By extending liberal financial support to the Central Govt. as also the State Governments of Punjab, Himachal & Madhya Pradesh besides distributing PPE’s and masks to local Govt. Hospitals which are manufactured at its Garment Unit, Vardhman has responsibly worked along with the administration to fight and win the battle against COVID-19.